Constant Stiffness Research Articles

Numerical and experimental evaluations of the impact attenuation of a rail-fastening assembly

The stability of railway tracks relies on a complex arrangement of rail, rail pad, rail clip, sleeper, and ballast. Impact forces from wheel-rail irregularities can lead to concrete sleeper cracking. Traditional experimentation to assess impact attenuation of a rail-fastening assembly (BS EN 13146-3) is both costly and time-consuming. In this study, an experiment-finite element analysis coupling method was utilized. Dynamic properties of the rail pad were experimentally determined and incorporated them into finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate impact attenuation, which was then experimentally validated. Investigating the damping constant ( cP) and dynamic stiffness ( kP) of the rail pad revealed that while increasing cP doesn’t significantly alter sleeper strain, reducing kP decreases the initial peak strain. Therefore, the impact attenuation is primarily influenced by kP. This approach not only reduces evaluation costs and time but also aids in rail-fastening assembly design, analysis, maintenance, and development.

Center of mass kinematic reconstruction during steady-state walking using optimized template models.

Template models, such as the Bipedal Spring-Loaded Inverted Pendulum and the Virtual Pivot Point, have been widely used as low-dimensional representations of the complex dynamics in legged locomotion. Despite their ability to qualitatively match human walking characteristics like M-shaped ground reaction force (GRF) profiles, they often exhibit discrepancies when compared to experimental data, notably in overestimating vertical center of mass (CoM) displacement and underestimating gait event timings (touchdown/ liftoff). This paper hypothesizes that the constant leg stiffness of these models explains the majority of these discrepancies. The study systematically investigates the impact of stiffness variations on the fidelity of model fittings to human data, where an optimization framework is employed to identify optimal leg stiffness trajectories. The study also quantifies the effects of stiffness variations on salient characteristics of human walking (GRF profiles and gait event timing). The optimization framework was applied to 24 subjects walking at 40% to 145% preferred walking speed (PWS). The findings reveal that despite only modifying ground forces in one direction, variable leg stiffness models exhibited a >80% reduction in CoM error across both the B-SLIP and VPP models, while also improving prediction of human GRF profiles. However, the accuracy of gait event timing did not consistently show improvement across all conditions. The resulting stiffness profiles mimic walking characteristics of ankle push-off during double support and reduced CoM vaulting during single support.

Design and optimization of a planar anti-buckling compliant rotational joint with a remote center of motion

Compliant mechanisms (CMs) exhibit some excellent mechanical properties and provide numerous innovative solutions for many existing mechanical applications. Among them, planar compliant rotational joints have made substantial contributions to precision engineering. To achieve high-precision positioning with a compliant rotational joint, it is essential to study characteristics such as anti-buckling and constant stiffness. The remote center of motion (RCM) mechanism, with its compact structure and ease of precise control, is expected to enhance overall rigidity and reduce parasitic displacements. Here, we propose a planar anti-buckling compliant rotational joint with a RCM. Static modeling and model validation are conducted for different geometric configurations, including single and combined structures. A distributed configuration with bidirectional anti-buckling properties is selected for optimization. Using a global parameter optimization model, single-objective optimization studies are conducted for three distinct characteristics. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization model for constant stiffness and high precision is established. Based on the optimization results, a compliant rotational joint with bidirectional anti-buckling, constant rotational stiffness, and high precision is designed. Finally, the effectiveness of the optimization method is validated through physical experiments.

Wheel wear of mountain metro vehicles with complex line conditions

Purpose Mountain metro vehicles have unique wheel wear characteristics due to the complex flat and longitudinal lines. With a combination of flat and longitudinal curved tracks, the traction and braking conditions are more frequent in mountain metro vehicles. This paper aims to analyze the wheel wear characteristics of mountain metro vehicles in complex flat and longitudinal lines. Design/methodology/approach A dynamic model of the mountain metro vehicle and a wear model are established to analyze the dynamic and wheel wear characteristics of mountain metro vehicles. The wheel wear law of mountain metro vehicles under complex track conditions is analyzed, and the suppression measure based on variable stiffness rotary arm nodes of mountain metro vehicles is proposed. Findings The results showed that the maximum wheel wear depth without considering the ramp track and considering the ramp track are 3.283 mm and 3.717 mm, respectively; the maximum wheel wear depth increases by 13.2%. Wheel wear can be effectively suppressed by the variable stiffness rotary arm model, and the maximum wear depth of the wheel profile is 3.316 mm, which is reduced by 10.79% compared with the constant stiffness model. Originality/value A dynamic model of a mountain metro vehicle is established, and the metro vehicle wheel wear under the large ramps under the traction and braking conditions is analyzed, and the metro vehicle wheel wear suppression measure based on variable stiffness rotary arm nodes is proposed. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0247

Controlled stiffness and diffusivity of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel formed with cellulose-nanofiber framework

Hydrogels composed of polymer networks are widely used in industry and scientific research for high water retention and unique mechanical properties. Nevertheless, in ordinary hydrogel formation, the trade-off relationship between stiffness and mesh size remains a crucial consideration for practical applications. This study describes a facile approach to controlling hydrogel stiffness and mesh size by hybridizing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and methacrylated TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (T-CNFMA). After disintegrating T-CNF by ultrasonication, T-CNFMA was synthesized resulting in a degree of substitution of 2.04 mmol/g. Incorporation of T-CNFMA in the PEGDA network allowed for independent control of hydrogel stiffness and mesh size by reinforcing the whole hydrogel network as a framework. Consequently, the swelling ratio and shear modulus could be manipulated by controlling the PEGDA/T-CNFMA ratio. Structural analyses revealed that an increase in the T-CNFMA content in the presence of a low amount of PEGDA resulted in a large mesh size with a constant stiffness. The diffusivity test was also consistent with the properties of the hydrogels. This result indicates that the incorporation of T-CNF in hydrogel network is useful to control the physical property of the hydrogel, especially for varying mesh size, regardless of stiffness alteration.

Intelligent design of multi-layered variable stiffness composite structure based on transfer learning

Variable stiffness composite structures offer more flexible design space than thin-walled metal structures and have greater potential for vibration-resistant design. When faced with multiple new types of design problems, the complex modelling and analysis procedures frequently prove to be both time-consuming and costly in terms of optimization. In this study, an innovative multi-layered variable stiffness (MVS) composite structure with high design flexibility is proposed, with images representation for curvilinearly stiffened paths, non-uniform layouts, and fiber and layup angles. Moreover, an intelligent optimization method based on transfer learning is proposed for addressing a variety of factors affecting dynamic design, including boundary types, structural features, and dynamic responses. The objective of the transfer learning model is to facilitate the inheritance and sharing of variable stiffness features, thereby enabling the efficient design of new problems with limited datasets. The validation of different examples shows that the transfer learning can effectively acquire the structural features from the existing source domain datasets, thereby significantly reducing the data for some new target domains by approximately 50%. In comparison to the initial constant stiffness (CS) structures, the different optimized configurations indicate that the MVS composite structures are capable of effectively enhancing the dynamic responses by 10%∼146% for natural frequency and dynamic compliance. Furthermore, the MVS optimized configuration displays superior dynamic responses in some problems, when compared to the CS optimized configuration.

МЕХАНІЗМИ ПЛАСТИЧНОГО РУЙНУВАННЯ АРОК

The method of determining the limit load for double-hinged and hingeless arches of fixed and variable rigidity is considered. The calculation is performed using the limit equilibrium method. Arches under the influence of a vertical uniformly distributed load are considered. The cross section is taken in the form of a non-reinforced rectangle. The stress-strain state of an elastic-plastic material is described by the Prandtl diagram. The peculiarities of material deformation are that the yield limits in tension and compression are different. The determination of the limit load is based on taking into account only one factor - the bending moment. When a limiting moment occurs in the arch section, a plastic hinge is formed, which allows unlimited angular deformation without increasing the bending moment. When several plastic hinges are formed, the design diagram of the arch turns into a mechanism. Of course, this approach leads to inaccuracies in determining the limit load. However, at the first stage of the study, the task was to study in detail the features of the plastic mechanism of arch destruction. To study the limiting state of the arches, two methods were used - analytical calculation and numerical calculation using the finite element method. The use of two calculation methods allows you to control the results and increase their reliability. Using analytics, formulas were obtained to determine the limit load and coordinates of the sections where plastic hinges are formed. For arches of constant stiffness, formulas are written to determine the limit load, and for arches of variable stiffness, nonlinear equations are written, the solution of which allows us to find the limit load. For the numerical calculation, a simple method was used, when at each stage of the calculation the coordinate of the formation of the plastic hinge and the corresponding load were determined. The calculation program is written in APDL. As a result of the study, it was revealed that a hingeless arch, depending on the ratio of the lifting boom to the span, has three forms of plastic destruction, while a double-hinged arch has only one form of plastic destruction.

Effect of displacement loading rate on dynamic mechanical characteristics of fault stick-slip under constant normal stiffness conditions

The role of the displacement loading rate in fault activation and evolution is of utmost importance, yet most existing studies have primarily focused on its effect under constant normal load (CNL) conditions. However, in reality, the rock mass surrounding the earthquake source at the deep part of the fault provides normal stiffness conditions. Therefore, the influence of the displacement loading rate on the dynamic mechanical characteristics of fault stick-slip under constant normal stiffness (CNS) conditions remains uncertain. To bridge this research gap, we conducted an experimental investigation on simulated faults in granite under constant normal stiffness (CNS) conditions. Our analysis focused on the influence of the displacement loading rate on the spatial and temporal evolution of local stresses along the fault and the size of the fault nucleation zone. The findings revealed the following: Under the CNS condition, the equivalent shear stress is larger compared to the CNL condition, while the shear stress drop is smaller. The recovery of normal stress under CNS conditions depends more on the displacement loading rate. The nucleation location of the fault is influenced by the normal boundary conditions, with a larger nucleation zone observed in the CNS condition than in the CNL condition. In the early stage of friction, the local stress and stress drop of the fault exhibit a positive correlation with the displacement loading rate, whereas in the later stage, they display a negative correlation. Moreover, at the same location, the order of local stress drop rates for the fault is v3 > v1 > v2, where v1 represents the local normal stress drop rate, v2 represents the local shear stress drop rate and v3 represents the local friction coefficient drop rate. These research results contribute to a further understanding of the deep fault-slip mechanical behavior.

True triaxial shear creep behaviors of sandstone under constant normal load and constant normal stiffness conditions

The long-term stability of rocks is crucial for ensuring safety in deep engineering, where the prolonged influence of shear loading is a key factor in delayed engineering disasters. Despite its significance, research on time-dependent shear failures under true triaxial stress to reflect in situ stress conditions remains limited. This study presents laboratory shear creep measurements on intact sandstone samples under constant normal load (CNL) and constant normal stiffness (CNS) conditions, which are typical of shallow and deep engineering cases, respectively. Our investigation focuses on the effects of various lateral stresses and boundary conditions on the mechanical behaviors and failure modes of the rock samples. Results indicate that lateral stress significantly reduces shear creep deformation and decreases creep rates. Without lateral stress constraints, the samples are prone to lateral tensile fractures leading to macroscopic spalling, likely due to "shear-induced tensile" stress. This failure behavior is mitigated under lateral stress constraints. Additionally, compared to CNL condition, samples under CNS condition demonstrate enhanced long-term shear resistance, reduced shear creep rates, and rougher shear failure surfaces. These findings suggest the need to improve our understanding of rock mass stability and to develop effective disaster prevention and mitigation strategies in engineering applications.

A novel design method of a nonlinear elastic mechanism for series elastic actuators

Series elastic actuators with increasing nonlinear stiffness(NlSEA) have promising applications in human-machine interactions for the existence of a nonlinear elastic mechanism that supplies inherent safety and can implement high torque resolution under low load and quick dynamic response under high load. In this study, a novel design method for a nonlinear elastic mechanism that can be applied in NlSEA is proposed. By combining the S-shaped cantilever beam and specialized cam surface, this study proposed an analytical approach to design a nonlinear elastic mechanism satisfying a given stiffening torque-deformation relationship. The geometric parameters constraints were discussed to support parameter determination. Two kinds of cases of nonlinear elastic mechanisms with increasing and constant stiffness characteristics were conducted to verify the effectiveness and generalizability of the proposed design method by simulations. Moreover, a nonlinear elastic mechanism with an increasing stiffness characteristic was designed and a prototype was fabricated. A torque-deformation verification experiment, regulation response experiments, and sinusoidal tracking experiments were conducted to verify the accuracy, response performance, and tracking performance of the prototype. The designed nonlinear elastic mechanism has a large torque-to-mass ratio in a compact and lightweight structure.

Experimental study on the shear characteristics of frozen soil‐concrete interface under the constant normal stiffness

AbstractThe interaction between the structure and soil is a crucial factor in infrastructure stabilization in cold region engineering, both transversely and vertically. During interface deformation, the transverse action is reflected in the change of constraints, including normal stiffness, normal stress, and normal volume, while the vertical action is reflected in the change of shear properties. However, the study of different transverse constraints is not systematic, especially considering the normal stiffness and shear properties at different hydrothermal states. This study investigated the shear behavior of the interface between concrete and frozen soil under different normal stiffness, temperature, and water content using the interface direct shear test under temperature‐controlled conditions. The results show that with the increase in temperature and water content, the initial shear stiffness of the interface shear stress‐shear displacement curve gradually increases, and the interface shear strength gradually increases. Different normal stiffnesses have a small effect on the morphology of the interfacial shear stress‐shear displacement curve but significantly affect the peak shear strength. The peak shear strength increases significantly with the increase of normal stiffness, and this trend is more obvious with the decrease in temperature. The corresponding interfacial cohesion and friction angle also increases with the increase in normal stiffness.

Simulation of soil-structure interaction using inelasticity-separated finite element method

The soil–structure interaction (SSI) effect is nonnegligible during the nonlinear seismic response analysis of large-scale or underground structures. However, the computation of nonlinear response of a structure considering SSI effect usually is a time-consuming process because the numerical model should involve the structure itself, a wide-range soil domain and the soil–structure interface, especially for large-scale structure. This study aims to incorporate the inelasticity-separated finite element method (IS-FEM), which is an algorithm recently developed for efficient structural nonlinear analysis, to improve the efficiency of the soil-structure interaction system. To this end, an inelasticity-separated contact element model for modeling the nonlinear behavior of soil and structure interface is developed in this study. To derive the inelasticity-separated governing equation of this model, a reference elastic stiffness is defined so that the normal and shear deformation of any point pair in the presented contact element is decomposed into reference linear and reference nonlinear parts according to this reference elastic stiffness. As a result, the problem of inconsistency between the requirement of IS-FEM for constant initial linear elastic stiffness and the existence of inflection point for the stress versus relative displacement relationship of contact behavior can be solved. Then, the Goodman element formulation for depicting the nonlinear contact behavior is introduced and an interpolation scheme to establish the reference nonlinear deformation field in an element is incorporated. By combining the proposed model with existing inelasticity-separated elements, a global analytical model of the soil–structure interaction system can be established within the framework of IS-FEM. Because the nonlinearity usually occur in some local regions of the global model and the use of the IS-FEM only require performing these operations for a small scale matrix representing local nonlinearity, the computational efficiency of nonlinear structural response analysis considering SSI effect can be improved significantly. The applicability and efficiency of the proposed method is finally verified by two numerical examples.

Trajectory-Tracking Control of Unmanned Vehicles Based on Adaptive Variable Parameter MPC

Aiming at the problems of the poor trajectory-tracking performance and low control accuracy of unmanned vehicles under complex working conditions, we first estimate the lateral force of tires using the square root cubature Kalman filter (SRCKF) in order to correct the lateral stiffness of the tires online, which reduces the model bias caused by constant lateral stiffness, and then adopt a Gaussian function-based adaptive time-domain model predictive control method to improve the trajectory-tracking control accuracy of unmanned vehicles under complex working conditions. Finally, the proposed control algorithm is validated via Carsim and MATLAB/Simulink joint simulation. The results show that compared with the classical model predictive control (MPC) algorithm, the proposed control algorithm reduces the average lateral tracking error by 73.07% and the peak beta and the peak yaw rate by 50.89% and 47.51%, respectively, so that the unmanned vehicle is able to maintain good tracking performance and control accuracy.

Analytical solutions for out-of-plane response of curved beams resting on an elastic foundation under a random moving load

In this study, the vibration behaviour of a horizontally curved beam resting on an elastic foundation and subjected to a random moving force is studied. The governing coupled differential equations for the out-of-plane vibration of curved beams are derived based on the mode superposition method, Duhamel's integral, and the Laplace transformation. Note that the out-of-dynamic responses of curved beams induced by a random moving load are composed of the centred random and mean value. Analytical solutions are proposed for the beam’s vertical and torsional deflections and the bending moment, where the rotary inertia, warping constant, and foundation stiffness are incorporated in these formulations. Because analytical studies on the random vibration of a curved beam resting on an elastic foundation are very limited, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of relative parameters, namely, high-mode vibrations, the radius of curvature, the moving velocity, and foundation vertical and torsional stiffnesses, on the centred random and mean values of the beam dynamic responses. The results show that high-mode vibrations have a greater impact on the beam responses at higher velocities. To obtain precise results, the first 30 modes are considered in the calculation for the dynamic responses of the beams. The critical velocity is an inherent property of bridges, and it increases as the radius of curvature and foundation stiffness increase. In addition, an increase in the velocity and foundation stiffness results in a reduction in the centred random values for responses.

Resilient and rutting response of unbound granular material and subgrade soil influenced by initial state and stress conditions

Unbound pavements with thin seals, where traffic loads are primarily supported by unbound granular layers and subgrade soil, are favoured for their low initial cost. Rutting, the primary distress mechanism, leads to rough, uncomfortable surfaces, diminishing serviceability and safety. It depends on the material's initial dry density, degree of saturation, and applied stress levels. Resilient modulus, indicating layer stiffness, is crucial for determining load transmission to underlying layers, making accurate estimation essential for pavement design. This study conducted constant radial stiffness triaxial (CRST) tests on an unbound granular material and a subgrade soil at various dry densities, saturation degrees, and stress conditions. The CRST test applies dynamic confining pressure under constant radial stiffness boundary. New models for rutting and resilient modulus were developed, relating these parameters to initial dry densities, saturation degrees, and stress states. The study also presents rutting and resilient modulus isograms on the compaction plane, aiding field compaction control and robust pavement design.

Peridynamics-based model of composite lamina with progressive variations in mechanical properties

An analytical model of the fiber-reinforced composite lamina is constructed based on bond-based peridynamics (PD), which utilizes variable matrix bonds and fiber bonds to evaluate the static properties of matrix and fiber materials, respectively. The bond stiffness of the matrix is determined by trigonometric functions, and fibers are represented by constants. The proposed PD model describes the continuous variations in the static properties of composites as a function of fiber angle. Both the conventional analytical method and the PD method are used to solve the failure-free elastic deformation issue. The two methods estimate maximum errors in the displacement of material points in the x and y directions of 0.01 % and 4.86 %, respectively, indicating good consistency. The failure propagation of the preexisting crack layer under the axial tensile load is simulated and the obtained failure modes are in good agreement with experimental results. The proposed composite lamina model simulates the influence of fiber direction on overall behavior through various matrix bond stiffness. Breaking through the limitation of constant matrix bond stiffness in conventional models, is conducive to promoting the further development of bond-based composite PD models.

Simulation and parameterization of nonlinear elastic behavior of cables

AbstractThis work contributes to the simulation, modeling, and characterization of nonlinear elastic bending behavior within the framework of geometrically nonlinear rod models. These models often assume a linear constitutive bending behavior, which is not sufficient for some complex flexible slender structures. In general, nonlinear elastic behavior often coexists with inelastic behavior. In this work, we incorporate the inelastic deformation into the rod model using reference curvatures. We present an algorithmic approach for simulating the nonlinear elastic bending behavior, which is based on the theory of Cosserat rods, where the static equilibrium is calculated by minimizing the linear elastic energy. For this algorithmic approach, in each iteration the static equilibrium is obtained by minimizing the potential energy with locally constant algorithmic bending stiffness values. These constants are updated according to the given nonlinear elastic constitutive law until the state of the rod converges. To determine the nonlinear elastic constitutive bending behavior of the flexible slender structures (such as cables) from the measured values, we formulate an inverse problem. By solving it we aim to determine a curvature-dependent bending stiffness characteristic and the reference curvatures using the given measured values. We first provide examples using virtual bending measurements, followed by the application of bending measurements on real cables. Solving the inverse problem yields physically plausible results.

Biomechanical properties of the capsule and extracellular matrix play a major role during the Wolffian/epididymal duct development.

The epididymis is important for sperm maturation and without its proper development, male infertility will result. Biomechanical properties of tissues/organs play key roles during their morphogenesis, including the Wolffian duct. It is hypothesized that structural/bulk stiffness of the capsule and mesenchyme/extracellular matrix that surround the duct is a major biomechanical property that regulates Wolffian duct morphogenesis. These data will provide key information as to the mechanisms that regulate the development of this important organ. To measure the structural/bulk stiffness in Pascals (force/area) of the capsule and the capsule and mesenchyme together that surrounds the Wolffian duct during the development. To examine the relative membrane tension of mesenchymal cells during the Wolffian duct development. Since Ptk7 was previously shown to regulate ECM integrity and Wolffian duct elongation and coiling, the hypothesis that Ptk7 regulates structural/bulk stiffness and mesenchymal cell membrane tension was tested. Atomic force microscopy and a microsquisher compression apparatus were used to measure the structural stiffness. Biomechanical properties within the membranes of cells within the capsule and mesenchyme were examined using a membrane-tension fluorescent probe. The structural stiffness (Pascals) of the capsule and underlying mesenchyme was relatively constant during development, with a significant increase in the capsule at the later stages. However, this increase may reflect the ECM and associated mesenchyme being close to the capsule because the coiling of the duct pushed or compressed them into that space. Keeping the capsule and mesenchyme/ECM at constant stiffness would ensure that the duct will continue to coil under similar biomechanical forces throughout the development. Cells within the capsule and mesenchyme at different Wolffian duct regions during the development had varying degrees of membrane lipid tension. It is hypothesized that the dynamic changes ensure the duct is kept at a constant stiffness regardless of any external forces. Loss of Ptk7 resulted in an increase in stiffness at E18.5, which was presumable due to the loss of integrity of the ECM within the mesenchyme. Biomechanical properties of the capsule and the mesenchyme/extracellular matrix that surround the Wolffian duct play an important role toward Wolffian duct morphogenesis, thereby allowing for the proper development of the epididymis and subsequent male fertility.

Conical-shaped variable stiffness composite laminates: Design and fiber path planning

This study presents an innovative design methodology for conical-shaped variable stiffness composite laminates. It employs the spectral Chebyshev method to solve dynamic equations, optimizing lamination parameters to maximize fundamental frequency. Subsequently, the fiber angles at the sampling points across the domain are retrieved. In the final step, a custom normalized cut segmentation approach is proposed to partition the domain into clusters and delineate fiber paths based on discrete fiber angles, while satisfying the manufacturing constraints such as curvature, gaps, and overlaps. The effectiveness of the proposed design methodology is demonstrated through several case studies, where maximum enhancement in fundamental frequency for the same part weight is compared to optimized constant stiffness composite laminates. The results show that an enhancement of 16% is achievable for a variable stiffness laminate disregarding manufacturing constraints for the fully clamped case study. However, the improvements reduce to 12.6% and 14% (deviating from the ideal optimal fundamental frequency by 4.5% and 3.3%), respectively, once the manufacturable constant and curvilinear fibers in each cluster are computed. This work can lead significant advances of engineering applications by enabling the design of variable stiffness laminates with complex geometries improving mechanical performance and/or reducing structural weight compared to conventional laminates.

A dimensionless feature for continuous bridge health monitoring with tiltmeter measurements

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an essential tool for bridges especially if they have a long period of activity. The bridge considered in this work allows the crossing of the river Po between Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna in Italy. It is about 1.2 km long and has 35 main spans: 25 simply supported beams and 10 cantilevers. The bridge, in use since 1958, underwent a closure period and extraordinary maintenance in 2019 due to severe structural problems. After reopening, the bridge is continuously monitored with a system of 88 bi-axial tiltmeters installed in May 2022. The sensors measure static inclinations (< 1Hz) providing information on the deflection and torsion of the bridge spans. The monitoring system returns a set of summary statistics for each inclination signal gathered in the last hour. Statistics like the mean are used to examine anomalous span drifts in the long term. Instead, the Interpercentile Range is used to evaluate span movements in the short term. In fact, the latter proved to be a good indicator of the hourly traffic load on the bridge, assuming a constant structure stiffness. Therefore, an SHM strategy is to monitor span movements, on a daily basis, using traffic as an active load. This makes it possible to identify any increases in bridge oscillations in relation to a reference condition, calculated over a given monitoring period. For this purpose, a dimensionless metric is proposed as monitoring feature. First, a theoretical analysis of metrics is presented. Then, results obtained from experimental bridge monitoring data are shown.